Takoma Park Police Warn Residents Of Fake ICE Flyers

TAKOMA PARK, MD — Fake U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flyers warning residents about penalties for supporting illegal immigration have been spotted hanging around D.C. Thursday, officials said. Officers from the Takoma Park Police Department are letting residents know that these flyers are not legitimate and are meant to "scare the residents," according to a statement.

The blue and white flyers were seen in Southwest D.C. as residents walked to school and work. Mayor Muriel Browser reaffirmed the city's sanctuary city status and said she's working on having the flyers removed.

The official-looking flyers are titled “Sanctuary City Neighborhood Public Notice” and list offenses related to "harboring, encouraging/inducing, and conspiracy/aiding or abetting of illegal aliens."

The flyers include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE logos, but both agencies deny issuing or sanctioning the flyers.

ICE posted to Twitter saying that the notices are not from the agency. Browser also tweeted:

Browser said she has been in contact with the D.C. Police Department and the Department of Public Works to have the flyers removed.

"A reminder that we respect all DC residents no matter their immigration status. Washington, DC remains a sanctuary city," Browser said.

Takoma Park Police want to remind residents of what former Chief Goldberg said to City residents in November 2016:

“The Takoma Park Police Department is committed to Constitutional Policing where the rights of all individuals are respected. As a local police department, we have sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Maryland Constitution and the local laws and codes. Our priority is and always has been the preservation of life and protection of property. To that end, I can assure our residents that we are apolitical and will continue to build and maintain our bridges with the community…

We have no interest or authority in the deportation of immigrants. The mission and commitment of the Takoma Park Police Department is the safety and welfare of all our residents and visitors. We value and will continue to maintain our relationships with all members of our community.”

D.C. Councilmember David Grosso also tweeted about the flyers:

It's not clear who posted the flyers at this time. If residents see a flyer, they are asked to remove it and contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100.

Photo: Takoma Park Police Department